On-Screen Mentors Who Are Better Parents Than the Actual Parents

It’s common in movies and TV shows for parents to fall short in giving their children the love and support they deserve. Often, another character—a mentor—steps in to provide the guidance and care the protagonist needs. This shows that being a parent isn’t just about biology; it’s about providing real support, especially when someone is struggling. Here’s a look at some on-screen mentors who ended up being better parental figures than the heroes’ actual parents.

Miss Honey from ‘Matilda’ (1996)

Miss Honey is the opposite of Matilda’s unkind parents, offering her a supportive environment where she can freely learn and grow. Eventually, Miss Honey adopts Matilda, giving her the loving family she always deserved. Their bond shows that family isn’t just about blood relations, but about genuine love and care.

Yondu Udonta from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)

At first, Yondu Udonta appears to be a harsh space pirate who took Peter Quill as a child. However, he secretly protects Peter from his real father, Ego, who plans to exploit him for power. Yondu teaches Peter how to survive and eventually gives his life to save him. Peter doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Yondu was a loving father figure all along.

Uncle Phil from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

When Will Smith goes to live with his affluent relatives, he finds himself at odds with the stern Philip Banks. Uncle Phil offers the structure and unwavering affection that Will’s father, who wasn’t around much, never did. Their connection strengthens whenever Will feels let down by his dad. Philip takes on the role of a father figure, determined to help his nephew become a well-rounded and successful young man.

Jim Hopper from ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–)

After Eleven escapes from a secret government lab, Jim Hopper takes her in and hides her at his cabin, protecting her from those who see her as nothing more than a tool. He helps her learn everyday skills and understand her feelings, giving her the normal childhood she never had, something Dr. Brenner took away from her.

John Keating from ‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

John Keating motivates his students to live life to the fullest and follow their hearts. Neil Perry struggles with a controlling father who won’t let him pursue his love of acting. Keating helps Neil develop independent thought and express himself through poetry, offering the emotional support that Neil’s strict family doesn’t.

Alfred Pennyworth from ‘Batman Begins’ (2005)

I’ve always believed Alfred Pennyworth was the real hero of Bruce Wayne’s story. After Bruce’s parents were taken from him, Alfred stepped in as more than just a butler – he became family. He wasn’t just looking after Bruce, he was teaching him, patching him up, and keeping him connected to the real world. Honestly, Bruce needed that so much. When Bruce, as Batman, started getting lost in his anger and need for revenge, Alfred was always there to guide him, to remind him of who he was. He filled the role of a father figure, giving Bruce the love and stability he desperately needed after that terrible night.

Harry Hart from ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014)

Harry Hart takes Eggsy, a troubled young man, under his wing and introduces him to a secret spy agency. Seeing potential beyond Eggsy’s rough exterior, Harry offers him a chance to escape his difficult home life. Through training in both etiquette and combat, Harry helps Eggsy gain confidence and become a better version of himself, ultimately turning him into a refined hero.

Sean Maguire from ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

Sean Maguire, a therapist, helps Will Hunting, a brilliant but troubled young man, confront his painful past. Will tends to push people away because of the difficult experiences he had growing up in foster care. Sean connects with Will by sharing his own struggles with loss, creating a bond of understanding. Through Sean’s guidance, Will learns to open himself up to love and build a fulfilling life.

Mr. Miyagi from ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)

When Daniel LaRusso is targeted by bullies, Mr. Miyagi steps in and offers to teach him karate. More than just a trainer, Miyagi becomes a father figure to Daniel, offering guidance and understanding. He doesn’t just teach karate moves; he imparts life lessons about balance and mindfulness. Over time, a strong and lasting friendship develops between them, built on respect and trust.

T-800 from ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

A reprogrammed Terminator, a T-800, is assigned to protect young John Connor. It obediently follows his commands, offering unwavering support without complaint or tiredness. Sarah Connor notices this cyborg is the only parental figure who will always be there for her son, and never cause him harm. Through its time with John, the machine begins to understand the importance of human life.

Ellen Ripley from ‘Aliens’ (1986)

Ellen Ripley finds a young girl named Newt hiding after the colony has been destroyed. Ripley quickly becomes protective of Newt, acting like a mother to shield her from the deadly creatures. When Newt is taken, Ripley bravely returns to the alien nest to rescue her. This connection gives both of them the strength to keep fighting for survival in the terrifying situation.

Hector Faulkner from ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ (2016)

Hector Faulkner, a gruff loner, unexpectedly becomes a fugitive in the New Zealand wilderness with his foster son, Ricky Baker. Though hesitant at first, Hector gradually develops a bond with Ricky. They connect through the difficulties of surviving on the run and a feeling of being different from everyone else. Ultimately, Hector provides Ricky with the stability he needs to break free from a difficult childhood in the foster care system.

Ben Kenobi from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)

Obi-Wan Kenobi secretly keeps an eye on Luke Skywalker before becoming his mentor and teaching him about the Force. He tells Luke about his hidden abilities and urges him to leave his ordinary life on Tatooine. To allow Luke and his friends to escape the Death Star, Obi-Wan bravely gives his life. Even after his death, he continues to guide Luke as a spirit.

Uncle Iroh from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Uncle Iroh joins his exiled nephew, Zuko, in the search for the Avatar. While Zuko is driven by his father, the Fire Lord Ozai, Iroh offers gentle guidance and wisdom through tea and thoughtful sayings. Iroh doesn’t push Zuko, but instead allows him to discover his own way, becoming a loving and supportive father figure in the process.

Haymitch Abernathy from ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012)

Haymitch Abernathy guides Katniss and Peeta as they prepare for the brutal Hunger Games. He steps in as a mentor when Katniss’s mother isn’t able to provide emotional support, helping them understand the complex world of the Capitol. Haymitch works tirelessly to secure sponsors who can provide vital supplies during the Games. Having survived the Games himself, he uniquely understands the emotional toll and challenges they face.

Uncle Ben from ‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

After Peter Parker’s parents were gone, his Uncle Ben stepped in to raise him, teaching him right from wrong. Ben famously told Peter that with great power comes great responsibility – a lesson that stuck with him. Even after Uncle Ben’s death, his love and guidance continued to shape Peter into the hero he became, influencing every choice Spider-Man made.

Léon from ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994)

After a young girl named Mathilda’s family is killed by crooked DEA agents, her neighbor, Léon, a professional hitman, takes her in. He shares his skills with her, and she, in turn, teaches him to read and write. Léon offers Mathilda a kind of support and affection her father never gave, and ultimately gives his life to help her escape a life of crime.

Rocky Balboa from ‘Creed’ (2015)

Though retired, Rocky Balboa hesitantly agrees to train Adonis Creed, honoring the memory of his friend Apollo. Rocky becomes a mentor to Adonis, both in boxing and in life, offering him a place to live and much-needed emotional support as Adonis struggles with his famous father’s legacy. They form an unlikely bond, becoming a family as they face their own personal challenges together.

Dr. Perry Cox from ‘Scrubs’ (2001–2010)

Honestly, watching Dr. Cox and J.D. is tough sometimes. Cox is constantly putting J.D. down, but it’s clear he’s also pushing him to become a really good doctor. It’s this harsh, no-nonsense approach, especially when everyone else is always trying to make J.D.’s life too easy. He always seems to know when J.D. actually needs help, stepping in with surprisingly good advice and protecting him when things get serious. Deep down, J.D. clearly wants a father figure, and even though he’d never admit it, that’s exactly what Dr. Cox is to him.

Captain Raymond Holt from ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt is a tough but supportive mentor to Detective Jake Peralta. Jake sees Holt as a father figure, something he missed growing up because of his own unreliable father. Through a combination of discipline and trust, Holt helps Jake grow up and become a better detective. Over time, their relationship develops into a strong bond of respect, helping Jake overcome the pain of his father’s absence.

Tell us which on-screen mentor you wish you had growing up in the comments.

2025-11-26 06:46